Over 20 homes evacuated as bomb squad called after man ‘barricades himself’ in Hemlington property

Emergency services were called to the scene at 7.30am, with nearby homes evacuated shortly after

More than 20 homes in Hemlington have been evacuated in scorching heat after a man barricaded himself inside a flat early this morning. Emergency services were called to the scene at 7.30am and remain there as of 3.30pm as negotiations continue with the man.

Cleveland Police were first to arrive, including armed officers, with fire fighters, ambulance crews and the bomb squad following. A large cordon is currently in place and many of the displaced residents are sitting on chairs in the sunshine, Oaks Community Centre and Hemlington Library Hub are offering somewhere to go with refreshments.

Residents and emergency services have also been given food and water at the scene and there is also a police federation welfare van in attendance.

In his latest statement Superintendent Paul Allen said: “At this time, we remain on the scene at Osbourne Close and negotiations with the man in the property are ongoing, our priority is to bring this incident to safe conclusion.

“We have extended the cordon; this has resulted in more properties being evacuated. Middlesbrough Council has set up a rest centre for anyone who has been displaced, this can be located at Hemlington Library.

“I would like to reassure the community that this is an isolated incident, in a single property. Any specialist equipment and services, including the explosives unit, are at the scene as a precaution at this stage.”

Officers were called to Osbourne Close this morning following reports a man had barricaded himself into a property and was making threats. Superintendent Paul Allen, initially said: “To ensure the safety of residents a cordon has been put in place, and around 23 properties have been evacuated. Further updates will be provided as soon as they are available.”

Neighbour Jacqueline Howard, 65, said she was looking out her kitchen window which is directly opposite the drama when she saw the police cars. Jacqueline’s home was not in the first cordon, but she was evacuated when the cordon was widened.

She said: “I asked what was happening, but of course they couldn’t tell us. I didn’t think it would be serious but now the bomb squad has turned up. It’s really worrying.”

Another resident, Albie Jones, came home from work around lunchtime to find out what was happening with his cocker spaniel, Reg, who was stuck in one of the evacuated homes with the dog walker not allowed in to check on him and refill his water bowl.

An officer agreed to go into the house and fetch Reg out to his concerned owner. Mr Jones said: “I was so worried about him in there in this heat – what if it goes on into the night. I had to get him out.”

Hemlington councillor, Nicky Walker, posted a message on Facebook for residents affected. She said: “We are told that the police and council staff are dealing with this. Some residents have been evacuated to the Oaks Community Centre. Hemlington Library Hub is open all today, it is cool and will provide refreshments to displaced residents if needed.

“This must be distressing for those involved and us councillors are of course here for you if you want to contact us. Just drop one of us a private message.”

A North East Ambulance spokesperson said: “We were called to an incident in Hemlington, Middlesbrough at 8.35am on 25 June. We are currently supporting the police and have three resources on scene.”

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